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In-demand Darwin Nunez could leave Liverpool this summer.(Image: Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images)

Ex-Uruguay and Napoli midfielder Walter Gargano reckons Darwin Nunez has told him in direct conversation that he's waiting to leave Liverpool for the Italian champions.

The Reds await interest to manifest into something more as they progress into the next stage of their summer window plans.

Liverpool have so far been able to complete their business without convoluted chains attached, signing Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, while next in line is Milos Kerkez.



Though long before those deals were in the works, the idea of a change in striker at Anfield had been on the agenda with Nunez misfiring throughout the 2024/2025 campaign.

His exit would open room for a replacement signing, and Gargano has revealed the 25-year-old is actively hoping to wrap up an exit.

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"Nunez?

The warmth of the Neapolitans would do him a lot of good, I spoke to him about a week ago and I hope he really comes to Naples," Gargano, who made 235 appearances for Napoli between 2007 and 2015, said on radio channel Kiss Kiss Napoli.

"I told him; 'Go to Naples!'.

He and his family will decide what to do with his future.

"He told me; 'Yes, I'll come to Naples right away.

I'm waiting to close with Naples'."

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As of last Thursday, the ECHO reported there being 'no movement' from any would-be suitors to sign Nunez this summer; not from Napoli, any other European team nor Saudi Arabian clubs that expressed interest in January.

This would appear to still be the case based on The Athletic's latest update - although they now suggest the Serie A champions are gearing up to make their opening offer 'in due course'.

Gargano added that he believes fellow Uruguay regular Nunez will be a perfect fit for his former club, and will be impressed with their summer transfer business if they can get him over the line - after signing Kevin de Bruyne for free.

He said: "The Napoli squad, with De Bruyne and possibly with Nunez, makes a significant leap in quality.

"The club did well to choose [Antonio] Conte who values all the players.

"Today Napoli's goal must be to go as far as possible in the Champions League.

"I will always be a Napoli fan, even if Darwin doesn't arrive."

As for what Liverpool would do next if Nunez is able to seal an exit, that remains to be seen.

Diogo Jota was Arne Slot's starting striker right at the very start of the 2024/25 campaign, although his injury woes meant Luis Diaz was shifted into a new role from his place on the left flank.

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So there would clearly be a gap opened up in the attack force - with the legendary No.9 shirt freshly available.